Cameras and Lighting Exam Questions

Answer: (A) Hand-held (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Answer: (C) Side light (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Answer: (A) Close-up (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Answer: (C) Extreme long shot (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Indicative content

• Technical (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Indicative content

• Low (1)

Guidance

Correct answer only

Spelling not important

Two from e.g.

Indicative content

• Front/frontal lighting/front light (1)
• Side lighting/side light (1)
• Back lighting/back light/backlight (1)
• Top lighting/overhead lighting (1)
• Under lighting/bottom lighting (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept:

Spotlight - TV

Natural light/daylight - TV

Read whole response and award

One mark for a camera shot

AND

One mark for an explanation of the meaning it conveys

Up to two marks for explaining one shot e.g.

Indicative content

• Close-up (1) of the fox's face so the audience can see that it is frightened/hungry (1)
• Extreme close-up (1) of the fox's eyes to show its emotion (1)
• Long/wide shot (1) to show how small the fox looks in the garden (1)
• Mid shot (1) to show the fox's body language (1)
• Extreme long/establishing shot (1) to show where the fox is (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept:

Tripod - TV, as this is equipment and not a camera shot

Read whole response and award

One mark for a camera angle

AND

One mark for an explanation linked to the audience and/or purpose

Up to two marks for explaining one angle e.g.

Indicative content

• Low angle (1) to make the climber look powerful and skilled, so teenagers want to have a go themselves (1)
• High angle (1) to show how high the wall is and make the challenge look exciting (1)
• Over-the-shoulder (1) so the audience see the climb from the climber's point of view and feel involved (1)
• Aerial/bird's-eye view (1) to show teenagers everything the centre has to offer (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Do not accept:

Zoom - TV, as this is a camera movement and not an angle

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Purpose (1)

2 | Audience (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling not important

Do not accept: budget, context or style

Indicative content

Space | Answer

1 | Mid shot (1)

2 | Pan (1)

Guidance

Correct answers only

Spelling and hyphenation not important

Do not accept: close-up or long shot in space 1; tilt or zoom in space 2

Read whole response and award

One mark for a camera technique

AND/OR

One mark for how it suits the audience/audience need

Up to two marks for explaining one way e.g.

Example responses

• Close-up shots (1) so older viewers can clearly see the presenter's face (1)
• Static camera shots (1) because the audience can follow the exercises easily (1)
• An establishing shot (1) to show the audience quickly where the exercise is taking place (1)
• A tracking shot (1) following the presenter so viewers can copy the movement (1)
• Long shots (1) so viewers can see the presenter's whole body and copy each exercise (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

A camera technique named without any link to the audience earns one mark only.

Do not accept

Lighting or colour as the camera technique

Read whole response and award

One mark for naming a camera movement

AND/OR

One mark for describing what the movement does or how it is used to show the animals

Up to two marks for describing one camera movement e.g.

Example responses

• A pan (1) turns the camera horizontally to follow an animal as it moves across the reserve (1)
• A tilt (1) moves the camera up or down to reveal how tall the animal is (1)
• A zoom (1) makes an animal appear closer without the camera being moved (1)
• Tracking/dolly (1) moves the camera alongside an animal as it walks (1)
• Hand-held (1) gives a shaky image so the audience feel they are running with the animals (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept hand-held and zoom as camera movements.

Do not accept

Shot types such as close-up or long shot, or a camera angle with no movement - TV

A restatement such as 'a pan is a camera movement' without saying what it does - TV

Read whole response and award

One mark for a lighting position (e.g. front/side/back/top/under)

AND/OR

One mark for where it is placed in relation to the performer/what it does

Up to two marks for describing one lighting position e.g.

Example responses

• A back light (1) is placed behind the performer so their outline stands out from the background (1)
• A side light (1) is placed to one side to create shadows across the performer's face (1)
• A front light (1) is placed in front of the performer so their face is lit clearly (1)
• Underlighting (1) is placed below the performer to make them look strange or dramatic (1)
• A top light (1) is placed above the performer to create shadows under the eyes and nose (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

A lighting position is the placement of the light in relation to the performer, not the type of light.

Do not accept

Natural or studio light, or a key light/fill light on its own, as these are light types/roles rather than positions.

Read whole response and award

One mark for a lighting intensity/level

AND/OR

One mark for the impact/effect it creates e.g. mood/atmosphere/tension/drawing attention to an exhibit

Up to two marks for explaining one way e.g.

Example responses

• Low lighting levels (1) to make the exhibition feel mysterious and dramatic (1)
• Bright lighting (1) so the ancient objects can be seen clearly by the audience (1)
• Dim lighting (1) to create a tense atmosphere around a display (1)
• High intensity light on a statue (1) to make it stand out as important (1)
• Low intensity light with a spotlight (1) to draw the audience's attention to one exhibit (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology e.g. brightness, light levels, dim, bright, low light

Four from e.g.

Indicative content

• Pan (1)
• Tilt (1)
• Zoom (1)
• Tracking/dolly (1)
• Dolly zoom (1)
• Hand-held (1)
• Static (1)
• Award credit for any other appropriate response

Guidance

Accept equivalent terminology

Accept 'zoom in'/'zoom out' for zoom and 'hand-held camera' for hand-held

Do not accept:

Close-up/long shot - TV, as these are camera shots and not movements

High angle - TV, as this is a camera angle and not a movement

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to two of the following camera techniques

Camera shots

• Close-up/extreme close-up to show a performer's face or an important detail, so the audience can see emotion or focus on something important.
• Mid shot to show performers from the waist up, so body language and conversation can be seen.
• Long shot/extreme long shot/establishing shot to show the whole stage, set or group of performers, so the audience understands where the scene takes place.

Camera angles

• Low angle looking up at a performer to make them appear powerful or dominant.
• High angle looking down at a performer to make them appear small, vulnerable or powerless.
• Over-the-shoulder angle to show a conversation from one performer's viewpoint.

Camera movement

• Pan to follow a performer or action across the stage.
• Tilt to show height, for example moving up or down a tall set piece.
• Tracking/dolly to move with a performer as they walk or dance.
• Zoom to make a performer or detail appear closer without moving the camera.
• Static camera to keep the shot steady and clear.

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Do not accept lighting points (for example bright lighting, back light, side light) as these are not camera techniques

Do not accept a technique that is only named with a vague reason (for example 'it is a good shot'), as there is no explanation of how it is used

Levels

• Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two camera techniques are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of camera techniques; Use of both techniques when filming the stage show is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two camera techniques are identified – but only one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of camera techniques; Use of the technique when filming the stage show is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one camera technique is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of camera techniques; Use of the technique when filming the stage show is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
• 0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Indicative content

Answers must explain two lighting choices. A lighting choice is either a lighting intensity/level choice or a lighting position choice. Credit any correct intensity/level or position choice applied to the illuminated winter garden. If more than two choices are given, credit the first two only; further correct detail may support the explanation but does not add marks.

Lighting intensity/levels

• Use a higher light intensity so the plants and illuminated features are bright enough to be seen clearly, because the garden is dark at night.
• Adjust the light levels so the fairy lights and illuminated features do not become overexposed, because too much light loses detail and makes the video look washed out.
• Use a lower or dimmer intensity in some areas to keep the fairy lights visible and create a magical mood, rather than lighting the whole garden evenly.

Lighting position

• Place a back light behind a tree, sculpture or feature to create a silhouette or shadow, making it stand out from the dark background.
• Place a side light to create shadows that show texture and depth in the plants, paths or structures.
• Place a front light to illuminate a path or feature clearly so viewers can see what the garden contains.
• Position lights so they do not shine directly into the camera, because glare or flare would spoil the shot.

Do not accept camera angles, camera shots or camera movements on their own, as these are camera techniques and not lighting choices.

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Levels

• Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two lighting choices are identified – and two explanations are attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of lighting intensity/levels and position; Why the choices are important when filming the illuminated winter garden is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two lighting choices are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of lighting intensity/levels and position; Why the choices are important when filming the illuminated winter garden is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one lighting choice is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of lighting intensity/levels and position; Why the choice(s) are important when filming the illuminated winter garden is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
• 0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to two of the following camera or lighting codes

Camera codes

• Close-up of a face to show fear or excitement, so the audience understands a character's emotion.
• Low angle on the ghost to make it look powerful or threatening, creating fear.
• High angle on a character to make them look vulnerable, so the audience worries for them.
• Hand-held movement to make the audience feel uneasy or as if they are there.
• Tracking a character to build tension as the audience follows them.
• Zoom in to reveal a clue and focus the audience's attention.

Lighting codes

• Low light levels or dim lighting to create mystery, suspense or fear.
• Back light behind the ghost to create a silhouette, making it seem mysterious.
• Side light to create shadows that make a scene feel tense.
• Bright lighting to make a scene feel safe, clear or welcoming.

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Levels

• Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two technical codes are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of how camera or lighting codes create impact; Impact on the audience is clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two technical codes are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of how camera or lighting codes create impact; Impact on the audience is adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one technical code is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of how camera or lighting codes create impact; Impact on the audience is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
• 0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit

Indicative content

Answers may include reference to adapting two of the following camera or lighting codes

Camera codes

• Use close-ups or mid shots of young volunteers so teenage viewers see people like themselves and feel represented.
• Use eye-level angles so volunteers seem approachable and relatable rather than intimidating.
• Use hand-held movement to make the video feel energetic and authentic, like social media content.
• Use tracking shots to follow volunteers doing tasks, showing what volunteering involves.

Lighting codes

• Keep lighting bright and natural so the outdoor reserve looks welcoming and the video is clear on a phone screen.
• Use back light or side light to show the nature reserve at an attractive time of day, making the video more appealing.
• Avoid dark or dim lighting because teenagers may scroll past footage that is hard to see.

Relating to audience, purpose and context

• Adapt to the teenage audience by showing young people they can relate to and by keeping the video clear on a mobile screen.
• Adapt to the purpose by making volunteering look enjoyable and by encouraging teenagers to sign up.
• Adapt to the context of filming outdoors in daylight and sharing the video on social media.

Award credit for any other appropriate response

Levels

• Level 3 (5–6 marks): A thorough explanation which shows detailed understanding: Two ways camera or lighting codes could be adapted are identified – and two explanations attempted; Shows detailed knowledge and understanding of how codes relate to audience, purpose and context; The adaptations for the teenage audience and purpose are clearly explained; Consistently uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 2 (3–4 marks): An adequate explanation which shows sound understanding: Two ways camera or lighting codes could be adapted are identified – at least one explanation attempted; Shows sound knowledge and/or understanding of how codes relate to audience, purpose and context; The adaptations for the teenage audience and purpose are adequately explained; Sometimes uses appropriate terminology.
• Level 1 (1–2 marks): A brief explanation which shows limited understanding: At least one way a camera or lighting code could be adapted is identified – at least one explanation is attempted; Shows limited knowledge and/or understanding of how codes relate to audience, purpose and context; The adaptation is explained in a basic way; Use of appropriate terminology is limited.
• 0 marks: Response is not worthy of credit